Which healthcare professional is responsible for orienting a patient to a new bedside unit?

• A. Licensed Practical Nurse
• B. Registered Nurse
• C. Unlicensed Assistive Personnel
• D. Physician

Answer: (B)

The patient’s orientation to a new bedside unit is a nursing responsibility, with the registered nurse leading the process. The RN oversees introducing the patient to the care team, explaining how to use the call light, where to find supplies, meal times, visiting hours, and unit routines. They review safety measures such as bed controls, side rails, fall precautions, and emergency procedures, and they clarify who to contact with questions and what the daily plan of care looks like. This orientation helps reduce anxiety, supports safety, and ensures the patient understands how the unit operates and how to participate in their own care.

LPNs provide skilled nursing care under supervision, and unlicensed assistive personnel offer routine assistance, but comprehensive unit orientation falls within the RN’s scope because it involves safety, care coordination, and patient education. Physicians focus on medical treatment and diagnosis rather than guiding patients through the unit environment.